The University of Ottawa International Student Exchange Program
The University of Ottawa in Canada has a vibrant International Student Exchange Program that allows students from partner institutions worldwide to study at Canada’s largest bilingual university for one or two semesters. The University of Ottawa has formal exchange agreements with more than 280 universities in over 50 countries. Eligible students in the University of Ottawa International student exchange program can experience high-quality undergraduate and graduate education in English, French, or both.
How to Apply for the University of Ottawa Exchange Program
The University of Ottawa Exchange Program offers students from partner institutions the chance to study in Canada for one or two academic terms. This immersive program gives students access to uOttawa’s high-ranking academic environment while continuing to pay tuition at their home institution.
To be eligible, you must:
- Be officially nominated by your home university.
- Submit a complete online application by March 31, 2025, for the Fall, Winter, or full academic year.
- Be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program (PhD students are not eligible).
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.7/4.0 or 12/20 — requirements may be higher at the graduate level or in some faculties.
- Have completed at least one academic year before applying.
- Get course approval from your home university.
- Meet language proficiency requirements and upload your valid test scores as part of your application.
Incomplete applications will not be reviewed, and no follow-ups will be made.
Details here: Incoming Exchange Students – uOttawa
Key Application Deadlines for 2025
To join the University of Ottawa’s exchange program, keep these critical dates in mind:
- Nomination Deadline (by home university): March 15, 2025
- Application Deadline (by student): March 31, 2025
Recommended Arrival Dates
- Fall 2025 Term: Week of August 26, 2025
- Winter 2026 Term: Week of December 30, 2025
A virtual orientation session will be offered closer to arrival to help you prepare.
👉 Check official dates and deadlines
Step-by-Step Application Process
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Nomination
Your home university must nominate you by March 15, 2025. -
Application via MoveOn Platform
Once nominated, you’ll receive a link to complete your application through the MoveOn portal. -
Upload Required Documents
- Official university transcripts in English or French
- Language proficiency test results (if applicable)
- Valid passport or national ID scan
- Additional documents (for programs like Law, Theatre, Music, or graduate studies)
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Wait for Evaluation
Faculties evaluate applications case by case. Incomplete applications will not be considered. -
Letter of Acceptance and Course Enrollment
After receiving your acceptance letter, you’ll be guided to submit your course registration request.
Language Requirements for the University of Ottawa International Student Exchange Program
Courses at the University of Ottawa are offered in either English or French, reflecting the university’s bilingual status. All incoming exchange students must demonstrate adequate proficiency in the language in which they plan to study.
If English or French is not your mother tongue, you are required to submit language test results in the language of instruction you choose. These results:
- Must be official
- Must be no older than two years at the time of application
Check here for detailed language requirements for incoming exchange students
Eligible courses/programs for the University of Ottawa International Student Exchange Program
When applying to the exchange program, you must prepare a preliminary course selection, which must be approved by your home university. This ensures your selected courses align with your academic goals and degree requirements.
Your letter of acceptance will reflect the faculty in which you plan to take most of your courses, so it’s essential to select courses relevant to your background.
Undergraduate Students
- Submit a list of 5 courses per term
- Enroll in 4 or 5 courses per term
- Course codes range from 1000 to 4000
Graduate Students
- Submit a list of 3 courses per term
- Enroll in 3 graduate courses per term
- Graduate-level course codes start at 5000 or higher
Course Restrictions for the University of Ottawa International Student Exchange Program
Be aware of the following important restrictions and conditions when selecting courses:
- Prerequisites: You cannot register for a course unless you’ve completed the required prerequisites.
- Restricted Faculties: Courses from the following faculties are not available to exchange students:
- Telfer School of Management (ADM, MGT, MBA)
- Faculty of Medicine
- Bachelor of Education programs
- Auditing: Exchange students cannot audit courses.
- Program-Restricted Courses: Some mandatory courses may be reserved for full-time University of Ottawa students and not open to visiting students.
Check here for detailed list of restricted courses for the University of Ottawa International Student Exchange Program
All faculties review exchange course selections case-by-case, and submitting your list does not guarantee enrollment. Courses may have limited spots, scheduling conflicts, or additional prerequisites, so be prepared with backup options.